The Access Foundation Scholarship programme began with donations to Opportunity Scholarships and the offer of a six-week paid summer internship for selected scholars. Students can take on live projects, hybrid working, and new technologies, gaining valuable real-world experience. Following summer internships, students are given the chance to move into a year in industry within the Access Group.
Reflecting on his placement experience at the Access Group, scholar Zain said:
“I undertook a placement at the Access Group as a DevOps Engineer which was a fantastic experience, and I felt incredibly fortunate to be given the opportunity. The most rewarding part of the programme was being given an independent project, whilst learning many technical and soft skills, participating in multiple company hackathons and presentations, and working with a wide range of diverse people which improved my confidence.”
Zain also delivered a talk to new scholars, sharing his journey and encouraging others to make the most of the programme – ensuring he paid his own experiences forward to others.
Zain presenting
He added: “The placement has made me a completely different individual; it helped me plan out goals and objectives I want to achieve now and in the future. Taking a year to grow not only as a developer but as a person really improved me, and I am appreciative that I was able to do my year in industry at the Access Group”.
In partnership with the University, the Access Group’s offering is broad and holistic as well as practical. What’s more, the support is not just for those who are part of their scholarship programme. They recognise that early-talent is everywhere on campus – in the lecture theatres, in clubs and societies, and in careers sessions. By engaging with careers activities aimed at all students, the Access Group can reach fresh talent and perspectives – and it’s right on their doorstep.
The Access Group has supported wider employability focused activities on campus open to all students at Loughborough University, including a workshop session and a mentoring scheme. The workshop was provided as part of the University's new Futures Festival, and offered all students the chance to learn how to impress employers, boost confidence, and to practice real interview techniques. In addition, the Access Group's mentoring scheme gave twelve students the chance to take on 1-2-1 sessions with experienced tech leaders.
Students on the scholarship programme can also access further support like mentoring, interview preparation and employability guidance throughout their internship and placement.
Scholars Jesse and Moth joined the Access summer internship and are now on placements at Access. Commenting on the programme so far, Jesse said:
“At university I’m more focused on theoretical computer science, whereas here I’m much more practical and hands-on with infrastructure, helping me put theory into real-world industry situations.
“I have also had the chance to speak alongside an MP about investing in future talents during my time this year, which was quite a unique experience. I’m now looking to go and get some additional qualifications to bolster my CV and learning.”
For Moth, the experience has been just as impactful:
“I remember feeling great pride coming back to the company after my second year to see the product I'd spent my summer before creating, still secured with my code and publicly accessible to members of the company.”
While the surrounding opportunities have been invaluable, Moth says that the financial support from the Access Scholarship has helped lift a huge weight off their shoulders:
“I think one of the foremost benefits the scheme provided me is financial security during my studies and work. Whilst I've developed many useful skills like CV writing, interview experience and time management, it’s amazing to have the peace of mind knowing I can also focus on learning as much as possible without having to split my focus just to survive.”
To students interested in making the most of opportunities like this, Yasmine Burrha, Early Careers Partner at the Access Group, says:
“Take full advantage of every opportunity to learn by asking questions and connecting with professionals in the business. Be curious, bold, and bring your unique perspectives as every voice matters.”
Across the Access Group’s scholarship programme, students develop technical skills in software engineering, data analytics and cyber security, and build professional capabilities such as teamwork, presenting to stakeholders, sprint planning, and communicating clearly in hybrid environments. For many, this is their first time applying what they’ve learned at university to meet real business needs, and it opens doors they may not have accessed otherwise.
The partnership also helps the Access Group, too. Yasmine added:
“We have gained fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and enthusiastic contributors to our projects by working with Loughborough. Engaging with students helps us stay connected to emerging talent and trends and strengthens our reputation as a forward-thinking employer. It also reinforces our commitment to giving back to the local community. The fact that our opportunities can go beyond just financial support is great; it’s about mentorship, real-world experience, and creating a sense of belonging. Listening to student feedback and adapting our programmes has been key to its success.”
Thank you to the Access Group for championing Loughborough talent and for the generous, well-rounded support offered to students.
To find out more about how you or your organisation could contribute, please contact the team or explore more information on our website.
